Smoke Signals

March, 2006

Kindergarten

Our kindergarteners are reading better each day.  We will learn the letters and sounds of Ww and  Jj.  We will learn to identify nouns and verbs.  We will learn to read new words: not, do, what, one, two, and three.  In math, they are finishing up measurement and will soon begin graphing.  How to read a graph, make a graph and use tally marks.  In science, we will learn how things move.  We’ll have fun using toy cars and other objects in our experiments.  In social studies, we will learn about different jobs and the kind of work people do.  We will also learn about economy.

First Grade

During the month of March, first grade will continue to work on our writing skills.  We will also continue working on becoming fluent readers.  In math, we will be learning about measurement, knowledge of place value, and money.  In social studies, we will be learning about the past and present and how everything changes.  In science, we will begin a unit on “Growing Healthy” and “Here’s Looking at You, 2000”.  These units will teach us to say “No!” to drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes.

Second Grade

In reading our theme is “All Aboard!”  We will be reading stories about different people and places.  We will visit the moon, travel with a ferry boat captain, look at a jellyfish up close in the ocean, and even travel back in time.  Our language focus is pronouns and contractions.  Some of us have beautiful cursive writing!  We are now learning the capital letters.  Social studies units are about goods and services and people of other nations.  Our science unit is called “Watch It Move” about force, gravity, and simple machines.  We are starting a math unit on measurement and will be learning standard and metric ways of measure.

Third Grade

March is definitely roaring in like a lion in third grade.  This is the month of the MSA test… our Super Bowl.  We’re working hard and getting ready to show the world just how bright we are.  In reading we’re starting our fifth unit entitled “Are We There Yet?”  There are lots of great stories to read.  In math, we’ve FINALLY come to the one, big thing we’ve been waiting for all year: MULTIPLICATION!    We can’t wait to learn our times tables and try to throw the “Multiplication Gauntlet!”  Mr. Alderton says we’ll be talking about our favorite thing during social studies this month.  Just what is “economics” anyway?  Miss Lease tells us we’ll be learning about energy and matter during science class.  What’s matter?  Hmmm...I don’t know...what’s matter with you!?  (Don’t blame us...that’s just another one of Mr. A’s bad Jokes!).  It sure is an exciting time to be a third grader at Mt. Savage School.

Fourth Grade

March is an exciting time in 4th grade as we watch students really grow and mature.  In math we’ll be working on perimeter, area, and 3D figures.  Students can be reading during every spare moment as our Reading Counts Competitions have both rooms neck and neck.  We also want to welcome Miss Sandvick, an FSU intern, who will be sharing new and exciting lessons with our gang.  March also brings MSA state testing.  We will be journaling to get ready and are confident that our students will do well.

Fifth Grade

In math, we will be studying metric and standard measurement, as well as, probability and statistics.  In science we will study Newton’s laws of motion and gravitation.  Also, we will explore lights, mirrors, lenses, light, and color.  In social studies we are moving forward in history to the Revolutionary War.  We are looking forward to making our school proud on the MSA.

“Counselor’s Corner”

From Ms. Luger

Mt. Savage Elementary will continue to focus on the character trait of respect for the month of March.  In addition students will be learning about effective test-taking skills during guidance lessons.  These skills are particularly important as the students complete the upcoming MSA testing.

Please notice on your school calendar that Pre-K and Kindergarten registration is scheduled for March 16—17, 2006.  If you have a Pre-K aged child or know someone who does, please make every effort to have the child(ren) registered at that time. 

As always, Ms. Luger is available to speak with you.  Please call 301-254-3220. 

Upcoming Events

March

 9 PTA Meeting 6:30; Executive Board 6:00, Book Bingo!

10 School Fundraiser delivered

13-22 Maryland School Assessment

Testing will be done in reading and math with all students in grades 3, 4, and 5.  It is important for students to get plenty of rest each night before testing.  Please have children at school on time and ready for the testing to begin early in the morning.

16-17 Kindergarten and PreKindergarten registration in the school lobby.

If you know a child who will be 4 or 5 by October 1, 2006, they are eligible to register for our PreKindergarten program (at Cash Valley) or Kinder garten for next year.

29 3 Hour Early Dismissal at 11:30.

April

4 Group picture day

5 Report cards distributed.

*Regarding school closings and delays please note:  When an announcement is made regarding school closings/delays, on the radio or other media, the only reference you should be concerned with will be to the Beall High District.  The Beall High District includes Mount Savage School.